Masks Around Me

Present Day: The Abandoned WarehouseIt was late at night, the moon shining down, casting eerie shadows as I walked through the deserted streets. Container homes lined the path, empty and forgotten.A cold breeze sent shivers down my spine, raising goosebumps on my skin. Despite my wife's advice to bring a police officer, I pressed on alone, guided by an inexplicable urge to reach the abandoned warehouse in the distance.Arriving at the darkened building, doubt crept in. Was it wise to come here alone? Should I have heeded my wife's warnings?Turning on my phone's torch, I ventured inside, calling out into the darkness, hoping for a response.Before I could register what was happening, a sharp pain exploded in my head, and everything went black.When I regained consciousness, my body felt numb, my movements restricted by unseen restraints. Squinting in the darkness, I made out the figures of two men standing before me."Did you give him the drugs?" one of them asked, his voice oddly fa

A week had finally passed, and it was time for me to start school. My parents had arranged for me to attend a private kindergarten in the city to ensure my comfort. Mr. Williams, our chauffeur, was tasked with taking me to school that day as my parents had a business meeting.Arriving at the school, it was larger than I had imagined, boasting a vast playground with numerous play structures for children.“Sir Edward? Sir Edward!!!!” Williams's voice broke through my deep thoughts.Startled, I looked up at him, finally snapping out of my reverie. Chuckling, he said, “We’ve arrived. Come on, let’s go.” Williams helped me out of the car and held my hand as we made our way into the school building.Inside, I still felt nervous, my palms starting to grow sweaty. Sensing my apprehension, Williams stopped suddenly and turned to face me. “It’s normal to be nervous on your first day, but don’t worry, you will enjoy your time here,” he assured me, offering some comfort.Feeling slightly reassured

Seven years had flown by since the announcement of my mother's pregnancy, and my little brother, James, was now a lively presence in our family. Amidst the changes, Cedric remained a steadfast friend, our bond growing stronger with each passing year.Discovering that our parents were acquainted further solidified our friendship, leading to frequent visits and shared experiences. However, as we entered middle school, the dynamics shifted, revealing stark differences between our lives inside and outside the classroom.At home, Cedric was supportive and caring, but in school, he distanced himself, aligning with the popular crowd while I remained an introverted outsider. Despite the contrast, I cherished his friendship, grateful for companionship amidst the isolation.However, the tranquility shattered when I became the target of relentless bullying. Harmless pranks escalated, culminating in a humiliating incident involving expired milk. The laughter, including Cedric's, cut deep, but it w

The next morning, the sun streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. I blinked away the remnants of sleep and glanced at the clock—7:53 AM. Panic surged through me as I realized the time; the exam had already begun.Without wasting a moment, I scrambled to get dressed, skipping my usual morning routine in my rush. As I bolted out the door, my heart raced with anxiety, the weight of missed opportunity heavy on my shoulders.Outside, I scanned the street for the driver my parents had arranged, but there was no sign of him. With a sinking feeling in my stomach, I knew I had no choice but to run to the exam venue.Breathless and drenched in sweat, I arrived at the entrance, only to be stopped by a stern-faced security guard. "Sorry, kid," he said, crossing his arms. "The exam has already begun. I can't let you in."Desperation welled up inside me as I pleaded with the guard. "Please, sir," I begged, my voice tinged with desperation. "This exam means everything to me.

As I strolled through the hallways the next day, I couldn't shake the feeling that everyone was staring and whispering about me.Whenever I caught someone's eye, they'd pretend like nothing was going on.With no friends to turn to, I just decided to brush it off and head to class, hoping to find Cedric.But when I entered the room, it was like all attention turned to me, and not in a good way.I made my way towards Cedric, but two guys blocked my path, refusing to let me through."What's your deal? I just need to talk to Cedric," I snapped, frustration building.Before they could respond, Cedric intervened, telling them to let me pass.Relieved, I approached Cedric, noticing his uneasy demeanor."I need to talk to you privately," I said, trying to keep a serious tone."Not now, Edward. Let's meet at the auditorium after school," he suggested."Sure," I agreed before walking away, the tension in the air palpable.The rest of the day was a nightmare. Everywhere I went, I felt the weight